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A sign to the parking lot to the Fort Harrison visitor center on the Richmond National Battlefield Park announces that the park is closed in Richmond, Va., Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013. "Closed" signs and barricades sprang up early Tuesday at the Lincoln Memorial, and national parks and many federal workplaces across the country followed suit. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Tuesday, October 01, 2013 6:01 pm

House to vote on reopening national parks

By ANDREW TAYLORAssociated Press

House and Senate Democrats say they'll reject a bid by Republicans to reopen portions of the government, including national parks and processing of claims at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

They say the entire government should be reopened, not just the parts that Republicans like.

Top Senate Democrat Harry Reid said Republicans "are trying to cherry-pick some of the few parts of government that they like."

The plan by House Republicans would also allow the government of Washington, D.C., to use its own taxpayer funds to provide services like garbage pickup.

The closure of national parks is among the most visible effects of the partial government shutdown. The GOP plan would reopen doors and visitors centers at iconic parks like Yosemite and Yellowstone and museums along the National Mall.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

Republicans say the GOP-controlled House intends to pass legislation to reopen portions of the government, including national parks and processing of claims at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The House would also allow the government of Washington, D.C. to use its own taxpayer funds to provide services like garbage pickup, as well as keep D.C. employees on the job.

The closure of national parks is among the most visible effects of the partial government shutdown that hit the government after midnight on Monday. It would reopen gates and visitors centers at iconic parks like Yosemite and Yellowstone.

While VA hospitals remain open and veterans benefits continue to be paid, the legislation would allow claims processors to continue to work on the agency's lengthy backload of applications.